Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Having difficulty to sleep, Sleep Apnea and Daytime Tiredness Solutions in Glen Iris

When we wake up tired, we are more likely, than well-rested people to have an accident at work or on the road. Children may struggle to pay attention in school, leading to behavioral and health issues. The most common causes of daytime tiredness are breathing difficulties and obstructive sleep apnea.

Common signs of breathing difficulties and sleep apnea include:

  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

  • Waking up to go to the toilet at night

  • Daytime sleepiness, tiredness, or fatigue

  • Snoring

  • Waking up gasping or choking

  • Morning headaches

Dr. Kaufman, in conjunction with a specialist Sleep Physician, can diagnose the presence and severity of this condition. This is evaluated through a sleep study, which can be conveniently done at home over one night.

If left untreated, daytime tiredness and sleepiness can lead to:

  • Irritable behavior

  • Depression

  • Consumption of high-calorie foods

  • Heart and lung disease

Many years of research have established the two main treatments for snoring and sleep apnea. Since these conditions are caused by airway obstructions, such as a blocked nose or large tongue. Dr. Kaufman can help you diagnose these potentially life-threatening conditions and also provide effective treatments. The continuous collaboration of specialists ensures the best outcomes for patients dealing with snoring and sleep apnea. For more information or to book a consultation, contact Dr. Kaufman or call Tooronga Family Dentistry.

Smile Improvement Solutions – Whitening, Veneers, and More in Glen Iris

There are six ways Dr. Kaufman can improve the appearance of a smile with:

  1. Tooth Whitening can lighten your teeth by several shades for a fresh, bright smile. Whitening can be done in a single visit in our practice or gradually at home.
  2. Veneers can achieve a better and more profound change in the shape and color of the teeth. Veneers can mask stains, chips, and gaps to create a uniform, natural look.
  3. Straightening the teeth with aligners or braces. Clear aligners or traditional orthodontic braces can straighten crooked or crowded teeth for better function and appearance.
  4. Crowns and Bridges: These can fill the gaps of missing teeth and reinforce damaged teeth to achieve  symmetry of your smile.
  5. Implants will replace missing teeth without the need to compromise adjacent teeth.
  6. Comprehensive Smile Makeover which is a customized plan combining several treatments—like whitening, veneers, and orthodontics—for total transformation.

Today there is no need to be afraid to smile. With all the various solutions available, Dr. Kaufman had the knowledge and experience to provide you with a smile to be proud of. Please  ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation to embark on your journey.

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Esthetic Dentistry Principles – Balanced, Beautiful Smiles in Glen Iris

Esthetic dentistry is about achieving a balanced, attractive, and healthy smile that boosts confidence and often improves oral health beyond just cosmetic benefits. While cosmetic dentistry is only aimed at creating visually appealing teeth, with disregard to the comfort and function.

To create a pleasing smile, there are six key principles Dr. Kaufman will assess and enhance

  1. Smile Arc: The upper front teeth (maxillary incisors) should follow the curve of the lower lip when smiling, creating a pleasing and natural arc.

  2. Tooth Proportion and Symmetry: The central incisors are dominant and should have ideal size, shape, and symmetry relative to surrounding teeth.

  3. Gum Line and Health: Healthy, well-positioned gums that complement the teeth without excessive or uneven exposure enhance smile attractiveness.

  4. The Frame around the teeth: Avoid wide dark spaces on the sides of the smile to maintain fullness.

  5. Midline Alignment: The midline of the upper front teeth should align with the facial midline for balanced appearance.

  6. Tooth Color and Shape: Teeth should be white, without stains, and have natural anatomical shapes and contours.

To achieve it an esthetic smile Dr. Kaufman uses

  • Teeth Whitening: Brightens discolored teeth for a more radiant smile.

  • Porcelain Veneers: Thin shells applied to teeth to correct shape, color, and minor alignment issues.

  • Zirconium Crowns: Durable, natural-looking crowns to restore damaged teeth.

  • Dental Implants: Replace missing teeth with artificial roots and crowns.

  • Orthodontics: Align and straighten teeth to improve bite and aesthetics.

  • Gum Treatments: Adjust gum line and health to optimize appearance.

  • Tooth Contouring/Reshaping: Minor modifications to tooth edges for better symmetry and shape.

Achieving a stunning smile starts with contacting us  or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Do I need Retainers?

If you’re in the middle of orthodontic treatment, you’re probably excited for the day your braces finally come off. However, your journey to a straighter smile isn’t quite finished—you’ll need to wear a retainer to maintain your results.

As braces move the teeth into better alignment, the surrounding bone must gradually adapt and stabilize. Right after treatment, there’s a risk your teeth could shift back to their original position. To prevent this, a custom orthodontic appliance, called a retainer, is used to keep your teeth in their new orientation during this crucial adjustment period. Depending on age and individual needs, patients may wear retainers for at least eighteen months, while adults might need them for several years—or even indefinitely—to ensure lasting results.

The most common style is a clear overlay retainer, which is removable for easy cleaning and comfort. Another option is a bonded (fixed) retainer: a thin, nearly invisible wire attached discreetly to the back of your teeth by your dentist. Bonded retainers offer the advantage of consistent retention because they stay in place at all times.

If you’d like to learn more about your options for clear or bonded retainers, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a personal consultation.

What is the reason front teeth are not erupting in Glen Iris?

Frequently parents call or visit our practice, since the primary teeth of their child had fallen and the permanent adult teeth are not coming through. The most common reason for this are obstructions in the eruption path or teeth that have “lost their way”. Here are some common causes

  1. Lack of space – When the jaws are too small for the size of the teeth, when one permanent tooth erupts it causes the loss of two primary teeth. Crowded teeth tend to erupt on top of each other of behind the primary teeth giving rise to “shark teeth”.

  2. Obstructions in the path of the emerging tooth – Some times “extra” teeth or supernumerary teeth develop on top of the regular ones.  These teeth are common in the area where the upper central incisors should erupt and create a barrier.

  3. Abnormal tooth position or angulation – As a result of trauma to the teeth or wrongly shaped teeth the position of the teeth and their eruption path changes. This can lead the teeth to erupt into other  teeth or get stuck after loosing their way.

In addition to these common reasons, there genetic and systemic reasons. Children with ectodermal dysplasia, cleidocranial dysplasia or Down syndrome may have missing teeth. Children which had suffered from lack of nutrition, chronic illnesses, hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, or rickets can have missing teeth or display delayed eruption.

If a tooth is missing or a permanent tooth had not erupted after 6 months of the primary tooth being shed, it is not normal. It requires an examination to determine what is the reason the permanent tooth is not erupting, please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

 

Good Oral Hygiene – Ways to Teach Young Kids to Brush

To keep your kids teeth healthy it’s important to set them up with smart, healthy habits while they’re young. Here are great tricks to help them master tooth brushing:

1.) Show and tell. Many young children are visual learners, so make sure you personally demonstrate healthy routines you want them to learn. Participate as often as you can.

2.) Use books and stories. Make sure kids know why good oral hygiene is important. There are many storybooks and online activities that can teach kids about germs and bacteria, and how brushing can keep them healthy. There are even smartphone apps to help teach about hygiene and track their efforts.

3.) Positive reinforcement. Keep a chart and reward your kids with star stickers every time they properly demonstrate good oral hygiene. Incentivize them further by offering a reward when they collect a certain number of stickers.

4.) Make it a song.  Tooth brushing should last at least 2 minutes. Find a song that’s this length to play while your kids are brushing, or use a bathroom timer.

5.) Make it fun. There are a lot of ways you can make hygiene fun for kids. Buy them  toothpaste and toothbrushes with their favourite character or fragrance. Try fun activities like doing dances while brushing can make it hilarious.

6.) Stick to routines. Kids thrive on routines. By setting strict morning, night-time routines, good oral hygiene will eventually become an automatic response.

Have fun while brushing. For more ideas please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

A large over bite can cause long term damage to the teeth and gums in Glen Iris

Large Overbite and Tooth Wear: Causes, Effects, and Treatment

When the teeth are not properly aligned, certain teeth take on more pressure during biting and chewing. A large overbite causes the upper front teeth to bear excessive load, leading to a range of oral health issues over time.

Common Problems Caused by a Large Overbite

  • Tooth wear and chipping: The front teeth constantly clash with opposing teeth while eating or speaking. This results in uneven wear along the biting edges and chipping of the enamel.

  • Enamel erosion and sensitivity: As the enamel wears away, the teeth become more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods. Worn enamel also increases the risk of decay and discolouration.

  • Gum recession and root exposure: In some cases, the lower teeth strike the gum line behind the upper front teeth, irritating or damaging the gums and exposing tooth roots.

  • Developmental and alignment problems: In children and young adults, a deep overbite can interfere with jaw growth and the eruption of new teeth, potentially leading to misalignment or bite problems.

  • Muscle and jaw strain: Uneven contact while chewing can put excessive pressure on the jaw joints, causing discomfort and muscle fatigue.

  • Reduced confidence: A noticeable overbite or uneven smile may impact a person’s self-esteem and confidence when smiling.

Importance of Correcting a Large Overbite

Correcting a large overbite is essential to prevent further tooth damage, gum irritation, and jaw strain. Treatment also helps improve chewing, speaking, and overall facial aesthetics.

Treatment options include:

  • Orthodontic treatment to straighten and reposition teeth for proper alignment

  • Crowns or bridges to restore worn or damaged teeth and balance the bite

An examination will determine the exact cause and best treatment for your overbite. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent long-term complications.

To learn more about correcting a large overbite, ask Dr. Kaufman a question or schedule an appointment for a personalised consultation.

Why does my new crown hurt when chewing in Glen Iris?

Pain or Discomfort After a New Dental Crown

It is not uncommon to experience soreness or discomfort when biting down on a tooth after a new crown has been fitted. However, persistent pain or sensitivity after a dental crown is not normal and should be assessed by Dr. Daniel Kaufman . There are several possible reasons this might occur.

Common Causes of Pain After Getting a Crown

  1. Crown height or bite alignment issue
    The most common reason for pain is that the new crown sits slightly higher than adjacent teeth, causing excessive pressure when you bite or chew. The solution is to adjust and reduce the crown height to align with surrounding teeth for an even bite.

  2. Underlying tooth decay
    If decay was present beneath the tooth before placing the crown, bacteria may remain trapped beneath it. In such cases, the crown may need to be removed so the tooth can be properly cleaned and restored. Leaving the infection untreated can result in swelling or abscess formation near the affected tooth.

  3. Cracked or fractured tooth
    If the tooth covered by the crown is cracked, pressure while biting may cause the crack to open slightly, resulting in sharp pain. This often requires further dental treatment to repair the fracture.

  4. Gum inflammation or infection
    Soreness or tenderness around the crown can also be caused by gum irritation or infection. This may feel worse when brushing or eating and needs professional evaluation to treat the area and promote healing.

  5. Inflamed or damaged nerve
    If the nerve inside the crowned tooth was not removed during treatment, it may become inflamed or infected, leading to persistent discomfort or sensitivity. Root canal therapy may be necessary to relieve the pain.

  6. Loose crown
    A crown that does not fit securely can move slightly while chewing, irritating the tooth and gums underneath. Tightening or re-cementing the crown can usually resolve the problem.

When to See Your Dentist

If you notice pain, sensitivity, or soreness in a tooth that has been recently crowned, do not ignore it. Schedule an examination , ask Dr. Kaufman a question or schedule an appointment online today.

Why do the gums bleeding around my veneers in Glen Iris?

Gums bleeding around veneers.

Gum Inflammation After Veneers: Causes and Treatment

After veneers are bonded to the teeth, some patients may notice gum redness, swelling, soreness, or bleeding during brushing or flossing. While mild sensitivity can occur initially, persistent gum inflammation is not normal and needs professional assessment.

Common Causes of Gum Inflammation Around Veneers

  1. Poor veneer fit
    For veneers to function properly, they must fit snugly against the teeth. Poorly fitted veneers can leave small gaps where food particles and bacteria accumulate, leading to gum inflammation and even tooth decay beneath the veneer.

  2. Violation of the biologic width
    If a veneer margin extends too far beneath the gum line, it can disrupt the natural attachment between the tooth and gum tissue. This irritation commonly leads to chronic inflammation and discomfort.

  3. Excess bonding material
    Veneers are attached using a dental adhesive or resin. If adhesive residue is not properly removed during placement, it can irritate the gums and cause inflammation or gum recession over time.

  4. Pre-existing gum disease
    If gum disease was present before the veneers were fitted and not treated beforehand, it may worsen after placement. This can result in bleeding, tenderness, and potential damage to both teeth and veneers.

  5. Aggressive brushing or abrasive toothpaste
    Using a hard toothbrush, applying too much pressure, or using abrasive toothpaste can cause trauma to the gums around veneers, leading to inflammation and bleeding.

Why Gum Health Is Critical After Veneers

Healthy gums are essential for the long-term success of veneers. Untreated gum inflammation can result in bone loss, decay, and veneer failure. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve both oral health and aesthetic outcomes.

If you are experiencing sore, swollen, or bleeding gums around your veneers, schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Daniel Kaufman.

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment for adults in Glen Iris?

The Importance of Straight Teeth for Oral Health

It may seem that straight teeth are only important for improving your smile, but they play a much bigger role in maintaining overall oral health. Well-aligned teeth are easier to clean and help prevent a variety of dental problems.

How Crooked or Tipped Teeth Affect Oral Health

Crooked or crowded teeth often create small spaces where food particles become trapped. These areas are difficult to clean properly, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space and the opposite teeth may over-erupt. These changes can cause discomfort, misalignment of the bite, and difficulty chewing.

How Orthodontic Treatment Can Help

Orthodontic treatment can reposition your teeth, close gaps, and correct misalignment. Straightening the teeth prevents food traps, reduces the risk of decay, and makes cleaning more effective.

Depending on your individual needs, teeth can be moved with traditional braces or modern clear aligners. In some cases, orthodontic movement can even shift a tooth into a vacant space to replace a missing one naturally.

If a tooth is badly broken, orthodontics can utilise the natural eruption process to expose the healthy part of the tooth, allowing it to be restored and preserved.

Adult Orthodontics and Long-Term Benefits

Straightening teeth isn’t just for children or teenagers. It’s common for adults to seek orthodontic care to improve both the health and appearance of their smile. Orthodontic treatment can:

  • Improve chewing and speech function

  • Prevent uneven tooth wear

  • Support long-term gum and bone health

  • Enhance facial balance and confidence

If you want to know how tooth alignment can benefit your oral health, please click here to make an appointment with Dr. Kaufman in Glen Iris. Dr. Kaufman will examine your teeth and explain how treating overcrowding, tipping, or worn-down teeth can help you maintain a healthy, functional smile.